While the PlayStation Portable may no longer be in production, its influence remains undeniable. The PSP represented a bold step for Sony: bringing console-quality experiences to a device you could login igamble247 carry in your pocket. And while some PSP games gained widespread recognition, many equally impressive titles flew under the radar. These forgotten classics are still among the best games the handheld ever offered and deserve more love from retro enthusiasts and new gamers alike.
Take “Jeanne d’Arc,” for example—a tactical RPG developed by Level-5 that blended historical fiction with fantasy. It didn’t get the same attention as bigger RPG titles, but it delivered deep strategy gameplay, a unique art style, and a compelling story. It’s the kind of game that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Despite being one of the best PSP games in its genre, it’s often overlooked in favor of more well-known releases like “Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions.”
Then there’s “Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror,” which was one of the few PSP games to really master third-person shooting on a handheld. This PlayStation game brought the stealth-action gameplay the series was known for into a portable format without sacrificing complexity or quality. It had a robust single-player campaign and even supported online multiplayer, making it ahead of its time in many ways. If you missed it, this is one to revisit.
Another standout that doesn’t get enough attention is “Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together.” Though originally a classic from earlier consoles, its PSP remake was a masterclass in tactical gameplay and narrative branching. With political intrigue, deep customization, and multiple endings, it was one of the most complex and satisfying strategy games available on the PSP. For fans of deep, cerebral gameplay, it’s among the best games on any portable system, not just PSP.
While newer consoles like the PS5 dominate the spotlight, the PSP and its underappreciated library remain a treasure trove for those willing to look back. Emulation, secondhand markets, and digital collections have made it easier than ever to rediscover these gems. Don’t let them fade into obscurity—some of the most innovative and engaging PlayStation games came in a pocket-sized package.